Ukrainian Parliament Ratifies U.S. Mineral Deal as Putin Hosts Xi for Victory Day [WATCH]

Ukraine’s Parliament voted unanimously on Thursday to ratify a new minerals agreement with the United States, advancing the creation of a joint investment fund aimed at boosting resource cooperation between the two nations.

The deal was approved with 338 votes, well above the 226 required for passage, according to Ukrainian lawmaker Yaroslav Zheleznyak.

🇺🇸🇺🇦 UKRAINE JUST SAID “YES” TO BIG MINERALS DEAL WITH THE US

Ukrainian lawmakers voted 338–0 to lock in a major resources deal with the U.S. — not one “no” vote, zero drama.

Kyiv’s hoping this isn’t just about resources… it’s also a green light for future military backup from… https://t.co/3jqRKK58o6 pic.twitter.com/QxXLBrPr0J

— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) May 8, 2025

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The agreement marks a step forward in strengthening economic and strategic ties between Kyiv and Washington.

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No lawmakers voted against the measure or abstained.

The announcement came amid continued military conflict, despite a temporary ceasefire declared by Russia to coincide with its annual Victory Day celebrations.

Trump announces a trade deal made with the UK on VICTORY Day.

As well as a rare earth minerals deal with Ukraine. pic.twitter.com/GtVes9CX7b

— Joe Rambo (@BrainStorm_Joe) May 8, 2025

Russia and Ukraine both reported ongoing attacks along the front line Thursday, the first day of the 72-hour ceasefire announced by Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The ceasefire was declared to honor the 80th anniversary of the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany in World War II, a major national observance in Russia.

According to Ukrainian officials, Russian forces launched attacks shortly after the ceasefire began. In the northeastern Sumy region, a guided air bomb struck a residential area, killing one civilian and injuring two others, the regional prosecutor’s office confirmed.

Artillery strikes were reported throughout the 1,000-kilometer front line, though overall intensity was reportedly lower than the previous day.

Oleh Petrasiuk, a press officer for Ukraine’s 24th Mechanised Brigade, told the Associated Press that Russian forces also launched attacks near Chasiv Yar in the Donetsk region on Thursday morning.

Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha accused Russia of violating the ceasefire 734 times between midnight and midday Thursday.

“Russia has carried out 63 assault operations along the front line, 23 of which are still ongoing,” Sybiha wrote on X.

“We will not let Putin fool anyone when he does not even keep his own word.”

The United States and European Union have been briefed on the reported violations. Ukraine said it continues to respond militarily where necessary.

Ukraine’s air force reported that no large-scale missile or drone strikes had occurred since 8:30 p.m. local time Wednesday, marking a rare lull in the conflict.

However, the Ukrainian government remains skeptical of the Kremlin’s ceasefire intentions.

President Volodymyr Zelensky had previously dismissed the temporary truce as political theater, saying, “For some reason, everyone is supposed to wait until May 8 before ceasing fire – just to provide Putin with silence for his parade.”

A 30-day ceasefire had been proposed by the United States in March and accepted by Ukraine, but Russia has not agreed to those terms.

Russia’s Defense Ministry accused Ukraine of violating the ceasefire as well and said its forces would “mirror” Ukraine’s actions in response.

The Kremlin stated that it would not stand down while coming under attack.

Overnight drone threat alerts were issued in several Russian regions, including Belgorod, Lipetsk, Orenburg, Ryazan, and Tambov, although there were no reports of drone interceptions.

Temporary flight restrictions were also implemented at Nizhny Novgorod Airport, according to Russia’s civil aviation authority, Rosaviatsia.

The ongoing military developments coincided with Chinese President Xi Jinping’s official visit to Moscow.

Xi was welcomed at the Kremlin by Putin ahead of Russia’s Victory Day commemorations and was described by Putin as “our main guest.”

In a public address, Putin highlighted the historical military ties between Russia and China, stating, “The brotherhood of arms between our peoples, which developed during the harsh war years, is one of the fundamental foundations of modern Russian-Chinese relations of comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation.”

Xi responded by emphasizing long-term friendship between the two countries and called for safeguarding “international fairness and justice.”

He added that China-Russia relations are “a necessity for the friendship between the two peoples from generation to generation.”

The two leaders have met more than 40 times, fostering a close partnership amid ongoing tensions with the West.

Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, China has increased its economic and diplomatic support for Moscow, becoming a primary buyer of Russian oil and gas and a major supplier of machinery and electronics following the imposition of Western sanctions.

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